Dental occlusion analysis tool

ABSTRACT

An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar are received for both the patient&#39;s right and left sides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevant points on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient&#39;s right and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient&#39;s right and left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion score for the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/084,187, filed on Nov. 19, 2013, entitled DENTAL OCCLUSION ANALYSISTOOL, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,400, filed on Feb.3, 2011, entitled DENTAL OCCLUSION ANALYSIS TOOL, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/301,136, filed Feb.3, 2010, entitled DENTAL OCCLUSION ANALYSIS TOOL, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. To theextent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the abovedisclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certifies orthodontists asboard certified orthodontists. To be certified, an orthodontist mustsubmit sets of before and after models of work performed by theorthodontist. A before model is a model of a patient's dentition beforethe orthodontist treated the patient and an after model is a model ofthe patient's dentition after the orthodontist treated the patient. TheABO uses the before and after models to determine whether theorthodontist successfully treated the patient. If the ABO determinesthat the orthodontist successfully treated the patient, the orthodontistis eligible to be certified.

The ABO requires that the cases submitted by an orthodontist must besufficiently difficult to treat. In other words, the ABO does not wantto certify an orthodontist who can only show that she or he cansuccessfully treat easy cases. Accordingly, the ABO has developed a testfor analyzing the difficulty of treating a case. The test involvesanalysis of several characteristics of a patient's dentition. Thesecharacteristics include overjet, overbite, openbite, crowding,occlusion, crossbite, and other patient characteristics. Currently, theABO performs the test by physically measuring physical plaster models ofa patient's dentition.

However, there are drawbacks associated with physically measuringphysical plaster models. For example, physically measuring physicalplaster models can be a time consuming process. Furthermore, physicallymeasuring physical plaster models can introduce a certain amount ofsubjectivity to the measurements. Accordingly, there is a need in theart for methods and systems for performing the test that overcome thedrawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY

Electronic three-dimensional (3D) models are created by scanning thebefore and after models submitted by an orthodontist to the ABO. In someembodiments, such electronic 3D models are created by scanning thedentition of patients in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,334, theentire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, inother embodiments, other techniques are used to create the electronic 3Dmodels.

An electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of apatient is displayed. Inputs indicating a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of amaxillary first molar are received for both the patient's right and leftsides. In addition, an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of amandibular arch of a patient is displayed. Inputs indicating relevantpoints on the mandibular first molar are received for both the patient'sright and left sides. Side scores are generated for the patient's rightand left sides based on the indicated points. A final occlusion scorefor the patient is displayed. The final occlusion score is based on theside score for the right side and the side score for the left side.

One aspect is a computer-implemented method for analyzing occlusion. Thecomputer-implemented method comprises for both a right side of a patientand a left side of the patient: displaying an electronic 3D model of atleast a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient. In addition, themethod comprises method comprises for both a right side of a patient anda left side of the patient receiving input indicating a first point onthe electronic 3D model of the portion of the maxillary arch. The firstpoint corresponds to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary firstmolar. Furthermore, the method comprises for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient displaying an electronic 3D modelof at least a portion of a mandibular arch of the patient. In addition,the method comprises for both a right side of a patient and a left sideof the patient receiving input indicating a second point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The secondpoint corresponds to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular firstmolar. Furthermore, the method comprises for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient receiving input indicating athird point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibulararch. The third point corresponds to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of themandibular first molar. In addition, the method comprises for both aright side of a patient and a left side of the patient receiving inputindicating a fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion ofthe mandibular arch. The fourth point corresponds to a contact pointbetween the mandibular first molar and a mandibular second premolar.Moreover, the method comprises for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient receiving input indicating a fifth point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The fifthpoint corresponds to a contact point between the mandibular first molarand a mandibular second molar. In addition, the method comprises forboth a right side of a patient and a left side of the patientgenerating, by a computing device, a central axis by calculating alinear regression of points projected onto a plane by the second point,the third point, the fourth point, and the fifth point. The central axisis a line on the plane. The plane is parallel to an occlusal plane ofthe patient. Furthermore, the method comprises for both a right side ofa patient and a left side of the patient identifying a location of ascoring intersection. The scoring intersection is a point where thecentral axis and a scoring line intersect. The scoring line is a line onthe plane. The scoring line is perpendicular to the central axis andpasses through a point projected onto the plane by the first point. Inaddition, the method comprises for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient generating a side score based on the locationof the scoring intersection relative to measurement intersections. Themeasurement intersections are points where the central axis andmeasurement lines intersect. The measurement lines are lines on theplane. The measurement lines include lines perpendicular to the centralaxis and passing through the points projected onto the plane by thesecond point, the third point, the fourth point, and the fifth point. Inaddition, the method comprises displaying a final occlusion score forthe patient, the final occlusion score based on the side score for theright side and the side score for the left side.

In another aspect, a computing device comprises a processing unit and aset of computer-readable data storage media comprising at least onecomputer-readable data storage medium. The set of computer-readable datastorage media stores software instructions that, when executed by theprocessing unit, cause the computing device to, for both a right side ofa patient and a left side of the patient, display an electronic 3D modelof at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient. In addition,the software instructions cause the computing device to, for both aright side of a patient and a left side of the patient, receive inputindicating a first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion ofthe maxillary arch. The first point corresponds to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of a maxillary first molar. Furthermore, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, display an electronic 3D modelof at least a portion of a mandibular arch of the patient. In addition,the software instructions cause the computing device to, for both aright side of a patient and a left side of the patient, receive inputindicating a second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion ofthe mandibular arch. The second point corresponds to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular first molar. Furthermore, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, receive input indicating a thirdpoint on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.The third point corresponds to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of themandibular first molar. In addition, the software instructions cause thecomputing device to, for both a right side of a patient and a left sideof the patient, receive input indicating a fourth point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The fourthpoint corresponds to a contact point between the mandibular first molarand a mandibular second premolar. Furthermore, the software instructionscause the computing device to, for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient, receive input indicating a fifth point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The fifthpoint corresponds to a contact point between the mandibular first molarand a mandibular second molar. In addition, the software instructionscause the computing device to, for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient, generate a central axis by calculating alinear regression of points projected onto a plane by the second point,the third point, the fourth point, and the fifth point, the central axisbeing a line on the plane, the plane being parallel to an occlusal planeof the patient. Furthermore, the software instructions cause thecomputing device to, for both a right side of a patient and a left sideof the patient, identify a location of a scoring intersection. Thescoring intersection is a point where the central axis and a scoringline intersect. The scoring line is a line on the plane. The scoringline is perpendicular to the central axis and passes through a pointprojected onto the plane by the first point. In addition, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, generate a side score based onthe location of the scoring intersection relative to measurementintersections. The measurement intersections are points where thecentral axis and measurement lines intersect. The measurement lines arelines on the plane. The measurement lines include lines perpendicular tothe central axis and passing through the points projected onto the planeby the second point, the third point, the fourth point, and the fifthpoint. The software instructions also cause the computing device todisplay a final occlusion score for the patient. The final occlusionscore is based on the side score for the right side and the side scorefor the left side.

In another aspect, a computer-readable data storage medium comprisessoftware instructions that, when executed by a processing unit of acomputing device, cause the computing device to, for both a right sideof a patient and a left side of the patient, display an electronic 3Dmodel of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient. Inaddition, the software instructions cause the computing device to, forboth a right side of a patient and a left side of the patient, receiveinput indicating a first point on the electronic 3D model of the portionof the maxillary arch. The first point corresponds to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of a first maxillary molar. Furthermore, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, display an electronic 3D modelof at least a portion of a mandibular arch of the patient. In addition,the software instructions cause the computing device to, for both aright side of a patient and a left side of the patient, receive inputindicating a second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion ofthe mandibular arch. The second point corresponds to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of a first mandibular molar. Furthermore, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, receive input indicating a thirdpoint on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.The third point corresponds to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of the firstmandibular molar. In addition, the software instructions cause thecomputing device to, for both a right side of a patient and a left sideof the patient, receive input indicating a fourth point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The fourthpoint corresponds to a contact point between the first mandibular molarand a second mandibular premolar. In addition, the software instructionscause the computing device to, for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient, receive input indicating a fifth point on theelectronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch. The fifthpoint corresponds to a contact point between the first mandibular molarand a second mandibular molar. Furthermore, the software instructionscause the computing device to, for both a right side of a patient and aleft side of the patient, generate a central axis by calculating alinear regression of points projected onto a plane by the second point,the third point, the fourth point, and the fifth point. The central axisis a line on the plane. The plane is parallel to an occlusal plane ofthe patient. In addition, the software instructions cause the computingdevice to, for both a right side of a patient and a left side of thepatient, identify a location of a scoring intersection. The scoringintersection is a point where the central axis and a scoring lineintersect. The scoring line is a line on the plane. The scoring line isperpendicular to the central axis and passing through a point projectedonto the plane by the first point. Furthermore, the softwareinstructions cause the computing device to, for both a right side of apatient and a left side of the patient, generate a side score based onthe location of the scoring intersection relative to measurementintersections. The measurement intersections are points where thecentral axis and measurement lines intersect. The measurement lines arelines on the plane. The measurement lines include lines perpendicular tothe central axis and passing through the points projected onto the planeby the second point, the third point, the fourth point, and the fifthpoint. In addition, the software instructions cause the computing deviceto display a final occlusion score for the patient. The final occlusionscore is based on the side score for the right side and the side scorefor the left side.

Yet another aspect is a method for analyzing occlusion. The methodcomprises providing, to a computing device, input indicating a firstpoint on an electronic 3D model of a portion of a maxillary arch of apatient. The first point corresponds to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of afirst maxillary molar. The method also comprises providing, to thecomputing device, input indicating a second point on an electronic 3Dmodel of the portion of a mandibular arch of the patient. The secondpoint corresponds to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a first mandibularmolar. In addition, the method comprises providing, to the computingdevice, input indicating a third point on the electronic 3D model of theportion of the mandibular arch. The third point corresponds to a tip ofa distobuccal cusp of the first mandibular molar. The method alsocomprises providing, to the computing device, input indicating a fourthpoint on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.The fourth point corresponds to a contact point between the firstmandibular molar and a second mandibular premolar. The method alsocomprises providing, to the computing device, input indicating a fifthpoint on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.The fifth point corresponds to a contact point between the firstmandibular molar and a second mandibular molar. In addition, the methodcomprises reviewing, by a user, a final occlusion score for the patient.The final occlusion score is based at least in part on a side score ofthe patient. The side score of the patient is based on a location of ascoring intersection relative to measurement intersections. Themeasurement intersections are points where a central axis andmeasurement lines intersect. The measurement lines are lines on a plane.The plane is parallel to an occlusal plane of the patient. Themeasurement lines include lines that are perpendicular to the centralaxis and that pass through points projected onto the plane by the secondpoint, the third point, the fourth point, and the fifth point. Thecentral axis is a linear regression of the points projected onto theplane by the second point, the third point, the fourth point, and thefifth point, the central axis being a line on the plane. The scoringintersection is a point where the central axis and a scoring lineintersect. The scoring line is a line on the plane. The scoring line isperpendicular to the central axis and passes through the point projectedonto the plane by the first point.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a formthat are further described below in the Detailed Description. ThisSummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limitthe scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for evaluatingthe difficulty of treating an orthodontic case.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating example logical components of acomputing device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by auser to identify a patient's case score.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by auser of a case analysis application to perform a dental crowdinganalysis.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by acrowding analysis module to perform a dental crowding analysis.

FIG. 6 is an example screen illustration showing a user interface of acase analysis application containing an ideal arch superimposed on anelectronic 3D model of an actual dental arch.

FIG. 7 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface inwhich the ideal arch has been adjusted.

FIG. 8 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface inwhich the user has provided measurement input for teeth on theelectronic 3D model of the actual dental arch.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by theuser to perform an occlusion analysis.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by anocclusion analysis module to perform an occlusion analysis.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation to identify aside occlusion score.

FIG. 12 is an example screen illustration showing the user interfaceafter the user has indicated a point corresponding to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar.

FIG. 13 is an example screen illustration showing the user interfaceafter the user has indicated relevant points on the patient's rightmandibular first molar.

FIG. 14 is an example screen illustration showing the user interfaceafter calculation of an occlusion score for the patient's right side.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of acomputing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 2 forevaluating the difficulty of treating an orthodontic case. Asillustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the system 2 includes a computingsystem 4, a remote computing system 6, a remote computing system 8, ascanner 10, and a network 12. It should be appreciated that the system 2illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 is merely one embodiment. Otherembodiments include more, fewer, or different components (e.g.,computing systems, networks, devices, etc.) than those shown in theexample of FIG. 1.

Each of the computing system 4, the remote computing system 6, and theremote computing system 8 is a system comprising one or more computingdevices. A computing device is an electronic device that processesinformation. Example types of computing devices include desktopcomputers, laptop computers, netbooks, server computers, mainframecomputers, supercomputers, handheld computers, video game consoles,smartphones, television set top boxes, computers integrated intovehicles, and other types of electronic devices that processinformation. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the computing system 4,the remote computing system 6, and the remote computing system 8comprise computing devices of the type illustrated in the example ofFIG. 15.

In embodiments where the computing system 4 comprises more than onecomputing device, the functionality of the computing system 4 isdistributed among the computing devices included in the computing system4. For example, one computing device in the computing system 4 may storeand retrieve data while another computing device in the computing system4 may process the data for viewing by users. Similarly, in embodimentswhere the remote computing system 6 or the remote computing system 8comprise more than one computing device, the functionality of the remotecomputing system 6 or the remote computing system 8 is distributed amongthe computing devices included in the remote computing system 6 or theremote computing system 8.

The network 12 facilitates communication among the computing system 4,the remote computing system 6, and the remote computing system 8. Thenetwork 12 is a system of devices interconnected by wired or wirelesslinks. In various embodiments, the network 12 is implemented in variousways. For example, in some embodiments, the network 12 is implemented asone or more wide area networks, such as the Internet. In otherembodiments, the network 12 is implemented as one or more local areanetworks or networks on other scales.

The scanner 10 is a device that generates electronic 3D models of apatient's dentition. In various embodiments, the scanner 10 generateselectronic 3D models in various ways. For example, in some embodiments,a plaster cast of a dental arch of a patient is positioned in thescanner 10. The scanner 10 takes measurements of the plaster cast anduses the measurements to generate an electronic 3D model of thepatient's dental arch. In various embodiments, the scanner 10 takes themeasurements in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, thescanner 10 uses a laser to take the measurements, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,217,334. In other embodiments, the scanner 10 uses atangible probe to take the measurements. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, the scanner 10 is an intra-oral camera that captureselectronic two-dimensional images of a patient's teeth and gums. In suchembodiments, the electronic two-dimensional images are processed togenerate electronic 3D models.

The scanner 10 provides the electronic 3D models to the remote computingsystem 8. A user of the remote computing system 8 is then able to usethe remote computing system 8 to review the electronic 3D models.Furthermore, the user of the remote computing system 8 is able to usethe remote computing system 8 to submit the electronic 3D models to thecomputing system 4 for analysis.

In some embodiments, the remote computing system 8 submits theelectronic 3D models via the network 12. The computing system 4comprises a network interface 14 that receives the electronic 3D modelsfrom the network 12.

In some embodiments, the user of the remote computing system 8 storesthe electronic 3D models to an optical disc. The user of the remotecomputing system 8 then submits the electronic 3D models by sending theoptical disc to a user of the computing system 4. The computing system 4comprises an optical media interface 16 that receives and readselectronic 3D models stored on the optical disc. Example types ofoptical discs include CD-ROMs, DVDs, BluRay discs, MiniDiscs, HD DVDdiscs, and so on.

In some embodiments, the user of the remote computing system 8 storesthe electronic 3D models to an external device. The user of the remotecomputing system 8 then submits electronic 3D models by sending theexternal device to a user of the computing system 4. The computingsystem 4 comprises an external device interface 18 that reads theelectronic 3D models stored on the external device. Example types ofexternal devices include USB flash memory devices, memory sticks,CompactFlash cards, MultiMediaCards, SD Cards, xD Picture cards, and soon.

As described in detail herein, the computing system 4 enables a user toanalyze submitted electronic 3D models to determine difficulties oforthodontic treatment. In various embodiments, the computing system 4enables various users to analyze submitted electronic 3D models. Forexample, in some embodiments, the computing system 4 enables a user ofthe computing system 4 to analyze submitted electronic 3D models.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the computing system 4 enables a userof the remote computing system 6 to analyze submitted electronic 3Dmodels. In such embodiments, the remote computing system 6 and thecomputing system 4 communicate information about submitted electronic 3Dmodels via the network 12. For example, the remote computing system 6can download electronic 3D models from the remote computing system 6. Inthis example, the test can be performed at the remote computing system6. In another example, a web browser application operates on the remotecomputing system 6. In this example, the user of the remote computingsystem 6 uses the web browser application to access web pages generatedby the computing system 4. The web pages allow the user of the remotecomputing system 6 to view the electronic 3D models and to provide inputto the computing system 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating example logical components of acomputing system 4. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, the logicalcomponents of the computing system 4 include a case analysis application102, an input device 104, an output device 106, and a electronic 3Dmodel 108. It should be appreciated that the computing system 4illustrated in the example of FIG. 2 is merely one embodiment. Otherembodiments include more, fewer, or different logical components thanthose shown in the example of FIG. 2.

The case analysis application 102 is a user application for evaluatingthe difficulty of orthodontic treatment of a person's dentition. Invarious embodiments, the case analysis application 102 is implemented invarious ways. For example, in some embodiments, the case analysisapplication 102 is implemented using a set of software instructionsthat, when executed by a processing unit of the computing system 4,cause the computing system 4 to provide the case analysis application102. In other embodiments, the computing system 4 comprises one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that operate to causethe computing system 4 to provide the case analysis application 102.

The input device 104 is a device that enables the computing system 4 toreceive input from a user. In various embodiments, the input device 104is implemented in various ways. For example, in various embodiments, theinput device 104 can be implemented by a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, an infrared remote control, a keyboard, a keypad, a joystick, amicrophone, or another type of device that enables the computing system4 to receive input from a user. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theinput device 104 is implemented as a network interface card or a modem.In such embodiments, a user uses another computing device remote fromthe computing system 4 to send input to the computing device via anelectronic communication network. In such embodiments, the input device104 receives input indirectly from the user.

The output device 106 is a device that enables the computing system 4 tooutput data. In various embodiments, the output device 106 isimplemented in various ways. For example, the output device 106 can beimplemented as a computer monitor, a television set, a touch screen, oranother type of device that enables the computing system 4 to outputdata. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments where the outputdevice 106 is a touch screen, the output device 106 and the input device104 are the same device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outputdevice 106 is implemented as a network interface card or a modem. Insuch embodiments, a user uses another computing device remote from thecomputing system 4 (e.g., remote computing system 6) to view informationsent by the computing system 4 via an electronic communication network(e.g., network 12).

The electronic 3D model 108 is a set of data representing a before modelof a patient's dentition. In some embodiments, the electronic 3D model108 represents a real patient's dentition. In other embodiments, theelectronic 3D model 108 represents an imaginary patient's dentition. Invarious embodiments, the electronic 3D model 108 is implemented invarious ways. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic 3D model108 is implemented as a computer file. In other example embodiments, theelectronic 3D model 108 is implemented as one or more records in arelational database. The electronic 3D model 108 is stored on one ormore computer-readable data storage media. A computer-readable datastorage medium is a physical device or article of manufacture thatstores data. Example types of computer-readable data storage mediainclude hard disks, optical drives, read-only memory (ROM) units,random-access memory (RAM) units, solid state memory drives (e.g., Flashmemory), magnetic tape drives, floppy disks, and other types of physicaldevices and articles of manufacture that store data. Although theexample of FIG. 2 shows the computing system 4 as containing theelectronic 3D model 108, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments, some or all of the electronic 3D model 108 is stored at oneor more other computing devices electronically accessible to thecomputing system 4.

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) evaluates the difficulty oftreating a patient based on several categories. These categories are:the patient's overjet, the patient's overbite, the patient's openbite,the patient's crowding, the patient's occlusion, the patient'scrossbite, other characteristics of the patient, and the patient'scephalometrics. Each of these categories is assigned a score based on ananalysis of the patient's characteristics in each of these categories.The difficulty of treating the patient is the total of the scoresassigned to each of the categories. As used herein, the total of thescores assigned to each of the categories is referred to as the casescore. If the patient's case score is not sufficiently high, the patientis deemed to be too easy to treat. Therefore, the ABO does not considercases with case scores below a certain threshold.

A user uses the case analysis application 102 to analyze the difficultyof treating a patient. In various embodiments, the user can be varioustypes of people. For example, in some embodiments, the user is anorthodontist who wants to analyze the difficulty of treating a patientprior to submitting models of the orthodontic patient's dentition to theABO. In other embodiments, the user is a technician who analyzes thedifficulty of treating patients on behalf of orthodontists, on behalf ofthe ABO, or on behalf of one or more other entities.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, the case analysis application102 comprises a core module 110, an overjet analysis module 114, anoverbite analysis module 116, an openbite analysis module 118, acrowding analysis module 120, an occlusion analysis module 122, acrossbite analysis module 124, an other analysis module 126, acephalometrics analysis module 128, and a result generation module 130.Although FIG. 2 shows each of the modules of the case analysisapplication 102 within the computing system 4, it should be appreciatedthat, in other embodiments, the modules of the case analysis application102 are distributed among one or more computing devices that are inelectronic communication with one another.

The core module 110 causes the output device 106 to display a graphicaluser interface. The graphical user interface comprises controls thatenable the user to select an electronic 3D model for analysis and toperform an analysis on the selected electronic 3D model. When a userselects the electronic 3D model 108, the core module 110 loads theelectronic 3D model 108.

The overjet analysis module 114 assists the user in performing ananalysis of the patient's overjet. The overbite analysis module 116assists the user in performing an analysis of the patient's overbite.The openbite analysis module 118 assists the user in performing ananalysis of the patient's openbite. The crowding analysis module 120assists the user in performing an analysis of the patient's crowding.The occlusion analysis module 122 assists the user in performing ananalysis of the patient's occlusion. The crossbite analysis module 124assists the user in performing an analysis of the patient's crossbite.The other analysis module 126 assists the user in performing an analysisof other characteristics of the patient. The cephalometrics analysismodule 128 assists the user in performing an analysis of the patient'scephalometrics.

The result generation module 130 generates a case score based on theanalysis of the patient's overjet, the analysis of the patient'soverbite, the analysis of the patient's openbite, the analysis of thepatient's crowding, the analysis of the patient's occlusion, theanalysis of the patient's crossbite, the analysis of the patient's othercharacteristics, and the analysis of the patient's cephalometrics.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the result generation module 130generates an output file containing the case score. In variousembodiments, the output file has various types of content. For example,in some embodiments, the output file comprises scores resulting from theanalysis of the patient's overjet, the analysis of the patient'soverbite, the analysis of the patient's openbite, the analysis of thepatient's crowding, the analysis of the patient's occlusion, theanalysis of the patient's crossbite, the analysis of the patient's othercharacteristics, and the analysis of the patient's cephalometrics. Inother embodiments, the output file also includes additional informationabout how these scores are derived. Furthermore, in various embodiments,the output file is formatted in various ways. For example, in someembodiments, the output file is formatted as a text file. In otherembodiments, the output file is formatted as one or more databaserecords. In yet other embodiments, the output file is a Hypertext MarkupLanguage (HTML) file. In yet other embodiments, the output file is anExtensible Markup Language (XML) file.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 200 performed bya user to identify a patient's case score. It should be appreciated thatthe operation 200 merely represents one example operation to determine apatient's case score. In other embodiments, operations to determine apatient's case score involve more, fewer, or different steps or includethe steps of the operation 200 in different orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the operation 200 begins whenthe user selects the electronic 3D model 108 (202). After the coremodule 110 loads the electronic 3D model 108, the user uses the overjetanalysis module 114 to perform an analysis of the patient's overjet(204). The analysis of the patient's overjet generates the patient'soverjet score. The user uses the overbite analysis module 116 to performan analysis of the patient's overbite (206). The analysis of thepatient's overbite score generates the patient's overbite score. Next,user uses the openbite analysis module 118 to perform an analysis of thepatient's openbite (208). The analysis of the patient's openbite scoregenerates the patient's openbite score.

The user uses the crowding analysis module 120 to perform an analysis ofthe patient's dental crowding (210). The analysis of the patient'sdental crowding generates the patient's crowding score. In variousembodiments, the user uses the crowding analysis module 120 to performthe analysis of the patient's dental crowding in various ways. Forexample, in some embodiments, the user uses the operation 300illustrated in the example of FIG. 4 to perform the analysis of thepatient's dental crowding.

Subsequently, the user uses the occlusion analysis module 122 to performan analysis of the patient's occlusion (212). The analysis of thepatient's occlusion generates the patient's final occlusion score. Insome embodiments, the patient's final occlusion score indicates aseverity of malocclusion. In various embodiments, the user uses theocclusion analysis module 122 to perform the analysis of the patient'socclusion in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the useruses the operation 800 illustrated in the example of FIG. 9 to performthe analysis of the patient's occlusion.

The user then uses the crossbite analysis module 124 to perform ananalysis of the patient's crossbite (214). The analysis of the patient'scrossbite generates the patient's crossbite score. Next, user uses theother analysis module 126 to perform an analysis of othercharacteristics of the patient (216). The analysis of the patient'sother characteristics generates the patient's other characteristicsscore. The user then uses the cephalometrics analysis module 128 toperform a cephalometrics analysis of the patient (218). The analysis ofthe patient's cephalometrics generates the patient's cephalometricsscore.

The user then uses the result generation module 130 to generate thepatient's case score (220). The patient's case score is based on theanalysis of the patient's overjet score, the patient's overbite score,the patient's openbite score, the patient's crowding score, thepatient's occlusion score, the patient's crossbite score, the patient'sother characteristics score, and the patient's cephalometrics score. Invarious embodiments, the result generation module 130 generates thepatient's case score in various ways. For example, in some embodiments,the result generation module 130 generates the patient's case score byadding together the patient's overjet score, the patient's overbitescore, the patient's openbite score, the patient's crowding score, thepatient's occlusion score, the patient's crossbite score, the patient'sother characteristics score, and the patient's cephalometrics score.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 300 performed bya user of the case analysis application 102 to perform a dental crowdinganalysis. It should be appreciated that the operation 300 merelyrepresents one example operation to perform a crowding analysis. Inother embodiments, operations to perform a dental crowding analysisinvolve more, fewer, or different steps or include the steps of theoperation 300 in different orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 4, the operation 300 begins whenthe user interacts with a user interface of the case analysisapplication 102 to indicate that the user desires to perform a dentalcrowding analysis for a patient (302). In various embodiments, the userinteracts with the user interface of the case analysis application 102to indicate that the user desires to perform a dental crowding analysisin various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the user interfaceincludes a set of controls. Each of the controls includes a separatecontrol for each type of analysis. For instance, the set of controlsincludes controls for overjet, overbite, openbite, crowding, occlusion,crossbite, other, and cephalometrics. In such embodiments, the userinteracts with the user interface to indicate that the user wants toperform a dental crowding analysis by selecting the control forcrowding.

In response to the user indicating that the user wants to perform adental crowding analysis, the crowding analysis module 120 causes theoutput device 106 to display a 3D model of the patient's maxillarydental arch and a 3D model of the patient's mandibular dental archwithin the user interface of the case analysis application 102. The userthen selects the most crowded one of the patient's dental arches (304).In response to the user selecting the most crowded one of the patient'sdental arches, the crowding analysis module 120 causes the output device106 to display a 3D model of the most crowded one of the patient'sdental arches within the user interface of the case analysis application102. For ease of explanation, the most crowded one of the patient'sdental arches is referred to herein as the selected arch.

An ideal arch is superimposed on the 3D model of the selected arch. Insome embodiments, the crowding analysis module 120 automaticallyidentifies a midline of the selected arch. The crowding analysis module120 automatically superimposes the ideal arch on the 3D model of theselected arch such that the midline of the ideal arch is the same as theautomatically identified midline of the selected arch. The user adjuststhe shape and position of the ideal arch such that the ideal arch has adesired shape (306). The desired shape of the ideal arch indicates wherethe patient's teeth in the selected arch should be positioned whenorthodontic treatment is complete. As the user adjusts the shape andposition of the ideal arch, the crowding analysis module 120 causes theoutput device 106 to display the current shape of the ideal arch.

In some embodiments, multiple adjustment points are displayed on theideal arch. The positions of the adjustment points define the shape ofthe ideal arch. In other words, the ideal arch forms a smooth arc thatpasses through each of the adjustment points. The user adjusts the shapeand position of the ideal arch by clicking on various ones of theadjustment points and dragging the adjustment points to differentpositions. In other words, the user drags-and-drops adjustment points toadjust the shape of the ideal arch. The crowding analysis module 120automatically adjusts the shape of the ideal arch such that the shape ofthe ideal arch is still defined by the adjusted positions of theadjustment points.

Furthermore, in some embodiments where the adjustment points aredisplayed on the ideal arch, the adjustment points are symmetricallydisposed on opposite sides of the midline of the ideal arch. When theuser adjusts the shape of the ideal arch by adjusting a position of agiven one of the adjustment points, the crowding analysis module 120automatically adjusts the position of a corresponding adjustment point.The corresponding adjustment point is symmetrically disposed on theopposite line of the midline of the ideal arch from the given adjustmentpoint. The crowding analysis module 120 adjusts the position of thecorresponding adjustment point such that the corresponding adjustmentpoint remains at a position symmetrically disposed on the opposite siteof the midline of the ideal arch from the given adjustment point.Because the shape of the ideal arch is defined by the positions of theadjustment points, the crowding analysis module 120 adjusts the shape ofthe ideal arch. In this way, the ideal arch automatically stayssymmetrical.

In some embodiments, the user is able to instruct the crowding analysismodule 120 not to automatically adjust the position of the symmetricallypositioned adjustment point. For example, the user may hold down acontrol key while dragging an adjustment point to instruct the crowdinganalysis module 120 not to automatically adjust the position of thesymmetrically positioned adjustment point. In this way, the user is ableto adjust a single one of the adjustment points, thereby causing theideal arch to be asymmetrical.

After the user has finished adjusting the shape and position of theideal arch, the user provides a measurement input for each non-molartooth in the selected arch (308). The measurement input for a toothindicates two points. A line between the two points approximatelycoincides with the ideal arch following successful treatment of thepatient. For example, the line between the two points may substantiallyoverlap with the ideal arch following treatment of the patient.

In various embodiments, the user provides the measurement input invarious ways. For example, in some embodiments, the user provides themeasurement input for a tooth by pressing a button when a cursor is at aposition corresponding to one end of the tooth and then pressing thebutton again when the cursor is at a position corresponding to anopposite end of the tooth. The user repeats this for each of thenon-molar teeth. In other embodiments, the user provides the measurementinput for a tooth by depressing a button when a cursor is at a positioncorresponding to one end of the tooth and releasing the button when thecursor is at a position corresponding to an opposite end of the tooth.The user repeats this for each of the non-molar teeth.

Next, the user provides input to the case analysis application 102indicating a length of edentulous spaces in the selected dental arch(310). An edentulous space is a space in an arch where a tooth ismissing. For example, if the selected arch is missing two teeth and thecombined width of the missing teeth is 12.7 millimeters, the userprovides input to the case analysis application 102 indicating that thelength of edentulous spaces in the selected dental arch is 12.7millimeters. When the user enters a length of edentulous spaces, thecrowding analysis module 120 calculates a tooth width total based on thetooth widths and the length of the edentulous spaces.

Furthermore, the user provides input to the case analysis application102 indicating deciduous non-molar teeth in the selected dental arch(312). Deciduous teeth are typically smaller than permanent teeth. Aproper treatment plan should take the larger size of the permanent teethinto account. The size of a permanent tooth is generally related to asize of a corresponding deciduous tooth according to a known ratio. Whenthe user indicates that a tooth is a deciduous tooth, the crowdinganalysis module 120 uses the width of the deciduous tooth and the knownratio between the deciduous tooth and its permanent replacement tooth tocalculate an expected width of the permanent replacement tooth. Thecrowding analysis module 120 calculates a total of the tooth widthsbased on the expected width of the permanent replacement tooth insteadof the tooth width for the deciduous tooth.

After the user indicates to the case analysis application 102 which ofthe teeth are deciduous teeth, the user reviews a crowding score for thepatient (314). The crowding analysis module 120 calculates the crowdingscore for the patient based, at least in part, on a comparison of thelength of the ideal arch and a total of the tooth widths. In someembodiments, the user reviews the crowding score for the patient whenthe crowding analysis module 120 causes the output device 106 to displaythe crowding score.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 400 performed bythe crowding analysis module 120 to perform a dental crowding analysis.It should be appreciated that the operation 400 merely represents oneexample operation to perform a dental crowding analysis. In otherembodiments, operations to perform a dental crowding analysis involvemore, fewer, or different steps or include the steps of the operation400 in different orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, the operation 400 begins whenthe crowding analysis module 120 causes the output device 106 to displaya 3D model of the patient's maxillary arch and a 3D model of thepatient's mandibular arch within the user interface of the case analysisapplication 102 (402).

Subsequently, the crowding analysis module 120 receives input from theuser of the case analysis application 102 (404). As described below, thecrowding analysis module 120 performs various actions in response toreceiving the input.

Upon receiving the input, the crowding analysis module 120 determineswhether the input is a selection of a most crowded dental arch (406). Ifthe input is a selection of the most crowded arch (“YES” of 406), thecrowding analysis module 120 causes the output device 106 to display a3D model of the selected arch within the user interface of the caseanalysis application 102 (408). The crowding analysis module 120 is thenable to receive additional input (404). In some embodiments, an idealarch is superimposed over the 3D model of the selected arch. In otherembodiments, the ideal arch is superimposed over the 3D model of theselected arch in response to an additional user input. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the crowding analysis module 120 identifies a midlineof the selected dental arch. In such embodiments, the crowding analysismodule 120 causes the output device 106 to display the ideal archsuperimposed on the 3D model of the selected dental arch such that amidline of the ideal arch coincides with the identified midline of theactual dental arch.

If the input is not a selection of the most crowded arch (“NO” of 406),the crowding analysis module 120 determines whether the input is anadjustment input (410). The adjustment input indicates an adjustment tothe ideal arch. If the input is an adjustment input (“YES” of 410), thecrowding analysis module 120 adjusts the shape of the ideal arch inaccordance with the adjustment input and displays the adjusted idealarch (412). After adjusting the shape of the ideal arch, the crowdinganalysis module 120 calculates a length of the ideal arch (414).

If the input is not an adjustment input (“NO” of 410), the crowdinganalysis module 120 determines whether the input is a measurement inputfor a tooth (416). The measurement input for a tooth indicates twopoints on the tooth. Following successful treatment of the patient, aline between the two points on the tooth should coincide with the idealarch.

If the input is a measurement input (“YES” of 416), the crowdinganalysis module 120 calculates a tooth width for the tooth (418). Thetooth width for the tooth is the distance between the points indicatedby the measurement input for the tooth. The crowding analysis module 120displays then a tooth width indicator for the tooth (420). The toothwidth indicator is superimposed on the 3D model of the selected arch. Insome embodiments, the tooth width indicator for the tooth comprises aline between the two points indicated by the measurement input for thetooth. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tooth width indicator forthe tooth indicates the distance between of the two points indicated bythe measurement input for the tooth.

If the input is not a tooth measurement input (“NO” of 416), thecrowding analysis module 120 determines whether the input is anedentulous space input (424). The edentulous space input indicates alength of edentulous spaces in the selected arch. If the input is not anedentulous space input (“NO” of 424), the crowding analysis module 120may ignore the input and is able to receive another input (404), and theoperation 400 recurs.

After displaying a tooth width indicator in step 422 or afterdetermining that the input is an edentulous space input (“YES” of 424),the crowding analysis module 120 calculates a tooth width total (422).The tooth width total is based on the tooth widths plus a length of theedentulous spaces in the selected arch. In various embodiments, thecrowding analysis module 120 calculates the tooth width total in variousways. For example, in some embodiments, the crowding analysis module 120calculates the tooth width total by adding together the tooth widths andthe length of the edentulous space. Furthermore, in some embodiments,the tooth measurement input indicates whether the tooth is a deciduoustooth. If the tooth measurement input indicates that the tooth is adeciduous tooth, the crowding analysis module 120 calculates an expectedwidth of a replacement permanent tooth corresponding to the deciduoustooth based on the width of the deciduous tooth. The crowding analysismodule 120 calculates the tooth width total by adding together the toothwidths for each of the non-molar teeth, using the expected width of thereplacement permanent tooth instead of the tooth width of the deciduoustooth.

After either calculating the length of the ideal arch in step 414 orcalculating a tooth width total in step 422, the crowding analysismodule 120 determines whether the length of the ideal arch and the totalof the tooth widths have been calculated (428). If both the length ofthe ideal arch and the tooth width total have been calculated (“YES” of428), the crowding analysis module 120 calculates the patient's crowdingscore (430). In various embodiments, the crowding analysis module 120calculates the patient's crowding score in various ways. For example, insome embodiments, the crowding analysis module 120 calculates thepatient's crowding score based on a ratio of the length of the idealarch compared to the tooth width total.

After calculating the patient's crowding score, the crowding analysismodule 120 causes the output device 106 to display the patient'scrowding score within the user interface of the case analysisapplication 102 (432). The crowding analysis module 120 may then receiveadditional input (404) and the operation 400 recurs.

FIG. 6 is an example screen illustration showing a user interface 500 ofthe case analysis application 102 containing an ideal arch 502superimposed on a 3D model 504 of an actual dental arch. Initially, theideal arch 502 does not indicate where the teeth in the arch should bepositioned when orthodontic treatment is complete. As illustrated in theexample of FIG. 6, the ideal arch 502 includes a set of adjustmentpoints 506. The adjustment points 506 are symmetrically disposed onopposing sides of the midline of the ideal arch 502. In someembodiments, the user adjusts the shape of the ideal arch 502 bydragging individual ones of the adjustment points 506. Furthermore, theuser is able to reposition the ideal arch 502 by dragging a midlineadjustment point 508.

The user interface 500 also contains an arch length feature 510 thatindicates a length of the ideal arch 502. In the example of FIG. 6, thearch length feature 510 indicates that the length of the ideal arch 502is 67.9 millimeters.

FIG. 7 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface 500in which the ideal arch 502 has been adjusted. In the example of exampleof FIG. 7, the user interface 500 contains the 3D model 504 of theactual dental arch shown in FIG. 6. However, the ideal arch 502 has beenadjusted such that the ideal arch 502 indicates where the teeth in thedental arch should be positioned when orthodontic treatment is complete.

The user interface 500 contains the arch length feature 510. However, inthe example of FIG. 7, the arch length feature 510 indicates that thelength of the ideal arch 502 is 68.6 millimeters. The length of theideal arch 502 is longer in the example of FIG. 7 because the user hasadjusted the ideal arch 502 to widen the ideal arch 502.

FIG. 8 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface 500in which the user has provided measurement input for each non-molartooth in the 3D model 504 of the actual dental arch. Because the userhas provided measurement input for each non-molar tooth, the userinterface 50 contains tooth width indicators 700 on each of thepre-molar teeth. Each of the tooth width indicators 700 indicates awidth of a tooth. For example, the width of the right maxillary secondpremolar is 5.68 millimeters.

The user interface 500 also contains a crowding feature 702. Thecrowding feature 702 indicates a tooth width total for the patient. Inthe example of FIG. 8, the crowding feature 702 indicates that the totalwidth of each of the teeth is 66.2 millimeters. 66.2 is the sum of6.09+5.64+9.95+6.61+8.19+8.02+6.51+6.72+5.84+58.58 rounded to thenearest tenth of a millimeter. The example of FIG. 8 also shows the archlength feature 510 adjacent to the crowding feature 702. Because thearch length feature 510 is adjacent to the crowding feature 702, it maybe easy for a user to compare the length of the ideal arch with thetooth width total.

In addition, the user interface 500 contains a crowding score feature704. The crowding score feature 704 indicates the patient's crowdingscore. In the example of FIG. 8, the crowding score feature 704indicates that the crowding score is zero. The crowding score is zerobecause the arch length is greater than the total width total.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 800 performed bya user to perform an occlusion analysis. It should be appreciate thatthe operation 800 merely represents one example operation performed by auser to perform an occlusion analysis. In other embodiments, otheroperations involve more, fewer, or different steps or include the stepsof the operation 800 in different orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, the user interacts with theuser interface of the case analysis application 102 to indicate that theuser wants to perform an occlusion analysis for a patient (802). Invarious embodiments, the user interacts with the user interface of thecase analysis application 102 to indicate that the user wants to performan occlusion analysis in various ways. For example, in some embodiments,the user interface includes a set of controls. Each of the controlsincludes a separate control for each phase of a case analysis. Forinstance, the set of controls includes controls for overjet, overbite,openbite, crowding, occlusion, crossbite, other, and cephalometrics. Insuch embodiments, the user interacts with the user interface to indicatethat the user wants to perform an occlusion analysis by selecting thecontrol for occlusion.

When the user interacts with the user interface to indicate that theuser wants to perform an occlusion analysis, the occlusion analysismodule 122 causes the output device 106 to display a 3D model of atleast a portion of the patient's right maxillary arch within the userinterface. The user is able to rotate, pan, zoom in on, zoom out from,or otherwise manipulate the 3D model of the patient's right maxillaryarch to obtain a desired view of the patient's right maxillary arch. Theuser indicates a point on the 3D model of the patient's right maxillaryarch corresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient'sright maxillary first molar (804). In various embodiments, the userindicates the point corresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp ofthe patient's right maxillary first molar in various ways. For example,in some embodiments, the user positions a mouse cursor over the pointcorresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's rightmaxillary first molar and then clicks a mouse button.

After the user indicates the point corresponding to the tip ofmesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display a3D model of at least a portion of the patient's right mandibular archwithin the user interface. The user is able to rotate, pan, zoom in on,zoom out from, or otherwise manipulate the 3D model of the patient'sright mandibular arch to obtain a desired view of the patient's rightmandibular arch. The user then indicates a point on the 3D model of thepatient's right mandibular arch corresponding to a tip of themesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right mandibular first molar (806).Next, the user indicates a point on the 3D model of the patient's rightmandibular arch corresponding to a tip of the distobuccal cusp of thepatient's right mandibular first molar (808). The user then indicates apoint on the 3D model of the patient's right mandibular archcorresponding to a contact point between the patient's right mandibularfirst molar and the patient's right mandibular second premolar (810).Next, the user indicates a point on the 3D model of the patient's rightmandibular arch corresponding to a contact point between the patient'sright mandibular first molar and the patient's right mandibular secondmolar (812). For ease of explanation, the points corresponding to themesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right mandibular first molar, thedistobuccal cusp of the patient's right mandibular first molar, thecontact between the patient's right mandibular first molar and thepatient's right mandibular second premolar, and the contact between thepatient's right mandibular first molar and the patient's rightmandibular second molar are referred to herein as the relevant points onthe patient's right mandibular first molar.

The user is then able to review the results of the occlusion analysis ofthe patient's right side (814). In various embodiments, the user is ableto review the results of the occlusion analysis of the patient's rightside in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display thepatient's right side occlusion score within the user interface of thecase analysis application 102. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to displayone or more features superimposed on the 3D model of the patient's rightmandibular arch. The features indicate to the user how the occlusionanalysis module 122 identified the patient's right side occlusion score.

After the user reviews the results of the occlusion analysis ofpatient's right side, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes theoutput device 106 to display a 3D model of at least a portion of thepatient's left maxillary arch. The user is able to rotate, pan, zoom inon, zoom out from, or otherwise manipulate the 3D model of the patient'sleft maxillary arch to obtain a desired view of the patient's leftmaxillary arch. The user indicates a point on the 3D model of thepatient's left maxillary arch corresponding to the tip of themesiobuccal cusp of the patient's left maxillary first molar (816).

After the user indicates the point corresponding to the tip ofmesiobuccal cusp of the patient's left maxillary first molar, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display a3D model of at least a portion of the patient's left mandibular archwithin the user interface. The user is able to rotate, pan, zoom in on,zoom out from, or otherwise manipulate the 3D model of the patient'sleft mandibular arch to obtain a desired view of the patient's leftmandibular arch. The user then indicates a point on the 3D model of thepatient's left mandibular arch corresponding to a tip of the mesiobuccalcusp of the patient's left mandibular first molar (818). Next, the userindicates a point on the 3D model of the patient's left mandibular archcorresponding to a tip of the distobuccal cusp of the patient's leftmandibular first molar (820). The user then indicates a point on the 3Dmodel of the patient's left mandibular arch corresponding to a contactpoint between the patient's left mandibular first molar and thepatient's left mandibular second premolar (822). Next, the userindicates a point on the 3D model of the patient's left mandibular archcorresponding to a contact point between the patient's left mandibularfirst molar and the patient's left mandibular second molar (824). Afterthe user indicates these points on the patient's left mandibular secondmolar, the occlusion analysis module 122 is able to identify a totalocclusion score for the patient. For ease of explanation, the pointscorresponding to the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's left mandibularfirst molar, the distobuccal cusp of the patient's left mandibular firstmolar, the contact between the patient's left mandibular first molar andthe patient's left mandibular second premolar, and the contact betweenthe patient's left mandibular first molar and the patient's leftmandibular second molar are referred to herein as the relevant points onthe patient's left mandibular first molar.

Subsequently, the user is able to review the results of the occlusionanalysis for the patient's left side (826). In various embodiments, theuser is able to review the results of the occlusion analysis of thepatient's left side in various ways. For example, in some embodiments,the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 todisplay the patient's left side occlusion score and the patient's finalocclusion score within the user interface of the case analysisapplication 102. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display one or morefeatures superimposed on the 3D model of the patient's left mandibulararch. The features indicate to the user how the occlusion analysismodule 122 identified the patient's left side occlusion score.

In some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 further assiststhe user by attempting to automatically identify the true tips of themesiobuccal cusps of the patient's maxillary first molars and therelevant points on the patient's mandibular first molars based on userinput. For example, the user may indicate a point near the true tip ofthe mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar instep 804. In this example, the occlusion analysis module 122 thenattempts to identify a true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient'sright maxillary first molar using the point indicated by the user as astarting place. The occlusion analysis module 122 then automaticallyadjusts a position of the point to correspond to the identified true tipof the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar. Inthis way, the occlusion analysis module 122 may be able to help the usermore precisely identify the true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of thepatient's right maxillary first molar. Similar examples can be given forthe patient's left maxillary first molar and the relevant points on thepatient's mandibular first molars. In some embodiments, if the user isnot satisfied by the automatically adjusted position of a point, theuser is able to override the occlusion analysis module 122 andreposition the point manually.

In some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 automaticallyattempts to identify the true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of patient'smaxillary first molars and the relevant points on the patient'smandibular first molars prior to receiving input from the userindicating these points. For example, the occlusion analysis module 122may use a hill climbing algorithm to find each of these points. In suchembodiments, the user is able to optionally override the pointsidentified by the occlusion analysis module 122 by manually indicatingthese points in steps 804-812 and 816-824.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the core module 110 saves theindicated points to a file for later use. The core module 110 is able tosubsequently load the file and cause the points to be displayed on the3D models of the patient's dental arches. In this way, the user is ableto resume work on the occlusion analysis.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 900 performedby the occlusion analysis module 122 to perform an occlusion analysis.It should be appreciated that the operation 800 merely represents oneexample operation to perform an occlusion analysis. In otherembodiments, operations to perform an occlusion analysis involve more,fewer, or different steps or include the steps of the operation 900 indifferent orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, the operation 900 begins whenthe occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 todisplay a 3D model of at least a portion of the patient's rightmaxillary arch within the user interface of the case analysisapplication 102 (902). In various embodiments, the occlusion analysismodule 122 causes the output device 106 to display a 3D model ofdifferent portions of the patient's right maxillary arch. For example,in some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the outputdevice 106 to display the patient's entire maxillary arch. In otherembodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device106 to display only the patient's right maxillary first molar. In otherembodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device106 to display the patient's complete right maxillary arch.

While the 3D model of the patient's right maxillary arch is displayed,the occlusion analysis module 122 receives an input indicating a pointon the 3D model of the patient's right maxillary arch corresponding to atip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar(904). In response to receiving this input, the occlusion analysismodule 122 causes the output device 106 to display a target point on the3D model of the patient's right maxillary arch at the pointcorresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's rightmaxillary first molar (906).

Subsequently, the occlusion analysis module 122 receives an inputindicating that the user wants to view a 3D model of the rightmandibular arch (908). In response to receiving this input, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to displaythe 3D model of at least a portion of the patient's right mandibulararch within the user interface of the case analysis application 102(910). In various embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causesthe output device 106 to display a 3D model of different portions of thepatient's right mandibular arch. For example, in some embodiments, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to displaythe patient's entire mandibular arch. In other embodiments, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to displayonly the patient's right mandibular second premolar, first molar, andsecond molar. In other embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122causes the output device 106 to display the patient's complete rightmandibular arch.

While the 3D model of the patient's right mandibular arch is displayed,the occlusion analysis module 122 receives inputs indicating points onthe 3D model of the patient's right mandibular arch corresponding tofour relevant points on the patient's right mandibular first molar(912). The four relevant points on the right mandibular first molar arethe tips of the buccal cusps of the first molar, a point of contactbetween the right mandibular first molar and the right mandibular secondmolar, and a point of contact between the right mandibular first molarand the right mandibular second premolar.

In response to receiving the inputs indicating points corresponding tothe four relevant points on the patient's right mandibular first molar,the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 todisplay target points on the 3D model of the patient's right mandibulararch within the user interface of the case analysis application 102(914). The target points are positioned on the 3D model of the patient'sright mandibular arch at the points corresponding to the four relevantpoints on the patient's right mandibular first molar.

After receiving the inputs indicating the points corresponding to thefour relevant points, the occlusion analysis module 122 calculates aright side occlusion score for the patient (918). In variousembodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 calculates the right sideocclusion score in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, theocclusion analysis module 122 calculates the right side occlusion scoreusing the operation 1000 illustrated in the example of FIG. 11. Aftercalculating the patient's right side occlusion score, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display the rightside score within the user interface of the case analysis application102 (920).

Subsequently, the occlusion analysis module 122 receives input to view a3D model of at least a portion of the patient's left maxillary arch(922). In response to this input, the occlusion analysis module 122causes the output device 106 to display the 3D model of at least aportion of the patient's left maxillary arch within the user interfaceof the case analysis application 102 (924). In various embodiments, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display a3D model of different portions of the patient's left maxillary arch. Forexample, in some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causesthe output device 106 to display the patient's entire maxillary arch. Inother embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the outputdevice 106 to display only the patient's left maxillary first molar. Inother embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the outputdevice 106 to display the patient's complete left maxillary arch.

When the 3D model of the patient's left maxillary arch is displayed, theocclusion analysis module 122 receives input indicating a point on the3D model of the left maxillary arch corresponding to a tip of themesiobuccal cusp of the patient's left maxillary first molar (926). Inresponse to receiving this input, the occlusion analysis module 122causes the output device 106 to display a target point on the 3D modelof the patient's left maxillary arch corresponding to the tip of themesiobuccal cusp of the patient's left maxillary first molar (928).

Next, the occlusion analysis module 122 receives input indicating thatthe user wants to view a 3D model of at least a portion of the patient'sleft mandibular arch (930). In response to receiving this input, theocclusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display a3D model of at least a portion of the patient's left mandibular archwithin the user interface of the case analysis application 102 (932). Invarious embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the outputdevice 106 to display a 3D model of different portions of the patient'sleft mandibular arch. For example, in some embodiments, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display thepatient's entire mandibular arch. In other embodiments, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display only thepatient's right mandibular second premolar, first molar, and secondmolar. In other embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 causesthe output device 106 to display the patient's complete right mandibulararch.

When the 3D model of the patient's left mandibular arch is displayed,the occlusion analysis module 122 receives input indicating the relevantpoints on the patient's left mandibular first molar (934). As discussedabove, the four relevant points on the patient's left mandibular firstmolar are: the tips of the buccal cusps of the left mandibular firstmolar, a point of contact between the left mandibular first molar andthe left mandibular second molar, and a point of contact between theleft mandibular first molar and the left mandibular second premolar.

The occlusion analysis module 122 then calculates a left side occlusionscore of the patient (936). In some embodiments, the occlusion analysismodule 122 calculates the patient's left side occlusion score in thesame way that the occlusion analysis module 122 calculates the rightside occlusion score.

After calculating the patient's left side occlusion score, the occlusionanalysis module 122 identifies a final occlusion score for the patient(938). In various embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122identifies the patient's final occlusion score in various ways. Forexample, in some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122identifies the patient's final occlusion score as the sum of thepatient's left side occlusion score and the patient's right sideocclusion score. In other embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122identifies the patient's final occlusion score as the greatest of thepatient's left side occlusion score and the patient's right sideocclusion score.

After identifying the patient's final occlusion score, the occlusionanalysis module 122 causes the output device 106 to display thepatient's left side occlusion score and the patient's final occlusionscore within the user interface of the case analysis application 102(940).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation 1000 toidentify a side occlusion score. It should be appreciated that theoperation 1000 merely represents one example operation to determine aside occlusion score. In other embodiments, operations to determine aside occlusion score involve more, fewer, or different steps or includethe steps of the operation 1000 in different orders.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 11, the occlusion analysis module122 identifies points projected onto a plane by the relevant points onthe patient's mandibular first molar (1002). The plane is parallel tothe patient's occlusal plane. As discussed above, the relevant points onthe mandibular first molar are the buccal cusps of the mandibular firstmolar, the point of contact between the first mandibular molar and anadjacent second mandibular molar, and the point of contact between thefirst mandibular molar and an adjacent second second premolar. For easeof discussion, the points projected onto the plane by the relevantpoints on the mandibular first molar are referred to herein as theprojected relevant points.

Next, the occlusion analysis module 122 generates a central axis (1004).The central axis is a line on the plane. The occlusion analysis module122 calculates the central axis by performing a linear regression overthe projected relevant points.

The occlusion analysis module 122 then generates a set of measurementlines in the plane (1006). Each of the measurement lines isperpendicular to the central axis. The set of measurement lines includesa measurement line through each of the projected relevant points.

The occlusion analysis module 122 then identifies a point projected ontothe plane by the point corresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cuspof the patient's maxillary first molar (1008). Next, the occlusionanalysis module 122 generates a scoring line (1010). The scoring line isa line in the plane. The scoring line is perpendicular to the centralaxis and passes through the point projected onto the plane by the pointcorresponding to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient'smaxillary first molar.

After generating the scoring line, the occlusion analysis module 122identifies a scoring intersection (1012). The scoring intersection is apoint where the scoring line and the central axis intersect. Theocclusion analysis module 122 then identifies a side occlusion scorebased on the position of the scoring intersection relative to thepositions of measurement intersections (1014). The measurementintersections are points where the central axis and the measurementlines intersect. For instance, the side occlusion score may be “4” whenthe scoring intersection is less than one millimeter beyond theintersection of the central axis and the measurement line through thecontact point between the mandibular first molar and the mandibularsecond premolar. In various embodiments, the occlusion analysis module122 assigns various side occlusion scores for the same positions of thescoring line.

In some embodiments, the occlusion analysis module 122 receivesadditional input from the user. The additional input indicates anadjustment to a given one of the points previous indicated by the user.For example, the additional input may indicate an adjustment to thepoint corresponding to the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's rightmaxillary first molar. In response to receiving the additional input,the occlusion analysis module 122 automatically re-generates the centralaxis, automatically re-identifies the location of the scoringintersection, and automatically re-generates the side occlusion score.Furthermore, the occlusion analysis module 122 then automatically causesthe output device 106 to display an updated final occlusion score basedin part on the re-generated side score. In this way, the user may beable to see the effects on the final occlusion score in essentially realtime of adjustments to the points.

FIG. 12 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface 500after the user has indicated a point corresponding to a tip of amesiobuccal cusp of a patient's right maxillary first molar. When theuser is performing step 804 of the occlusion analysis operation 800(FIG. 9), the user interface 500 contains a 3D model 1100 of a rightmaxillary arch. The user selects a point on the 3D model 1100 thatcorresponds to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's firstmaxillary molar 1104. In response, the occlusion analysis module 122causes the output device 106 to display in the user interface 500 atarget point 1102 at the point indicated by the user.

FIG. 13 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface 500after the user has indicated the relevant points on a patient's rightmandibular first molar. When the user is performing steps 808-812 of theocclusion analysis operation 800 (FIG. 9), the user interface 500contains a 3D model 1200 of the patient's right maxillary arch. The userindicates the four relevant points on the patient's right mandibularfirst molar 1202. In response to the user indicating the relevantpoints, the occlusion analysis module 122 causes the output device 106to display target points 1204 at the points indicated by the user.

FIG. 14 is an example screen illustration showing the user interface 500after calculation of an occlusion analysis score for the patient's rightside. When the user is performing step 814 of the occlusion analysisoperation 800 (FIG. 9), the user interface 500 contains the 3D model1200 of the right maxillary arch. In addition, the user interface 500contains the target points 1204. Furthermore, the target point 1102 isprojected onto the 3D model 1200. As discussed elsewhere, the targetpoint 1102 indicates a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's rightmaxillary first molar 1104.

Ideally, the mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary firstmolar 1104 should be positioned in the area between the buccal cusps ofthe patient's right mandibular first molar 1202. When the position ofthe mesiobuccal cusp of the patient's right maxillary first molar 1104is not in the area between the buccal cusps of the patient's rightmandibular first molar 1202, the patient likely has a malocclusion. Themalocclusion becomes progressively more severe when the mesiobuccal cuspof the patient's right maxillary first molar 1104 is further from thearea between the buccal cusps of the patient's right mandibular firstmolar 1202.

In the example of FIG. 14, the user interface 500 contains a measurementfeature 1300. The measurement feature 1300 includes a central axis and aset of measurement lines. Each line in the set of measurement lines isdisposed perpendicular to the central axis. The occlusion analysismodule 122 derives the central axis by linear regression of pointsprojected onto a plane by the four relevant points on the patient'sright mandibular first molar 1202. The set of measurement lines includesa measurement line through each point projected onto the plane by thefour relevant points. In addition, the set of measurement lines includesmeasurement lines indicating each of the first five millimeters outsidethe measurement line through the contact point between the patient'sright mandibular first molar 1202 and the patient's right mandibularsecond molar 1302. In addition, the set of measurement lines includesmeasurement lines indicating each of the first five millimeters outsidethe measurement line through the contact point between the patient'sright mandibular first molar 1202 and the patient's right mandibularsecond premolar 1304.

In addition, the measurement feature 1300 includes a scoring line. Thescoring line is perpendicular to the central axis and passes through thetarget point 1102. The occlusion score for the patient's right side iscalculated based on where the scoring line intersects the central axis.In the example of FIG. 14, the scoring line intersects the central axisbetween the measurement line through the contact point between thepatient's right mandibular first molar 1202 and the patient's rightmandibular second premolar 1304 and the measurement line that indicatesone millimeter outside the measurement line through the contact pointbetween the patient's right mandibular first molar 1202 and thepatient's right mandibular second premolar 1304.

The user interface 500 includes a right side occlusion score feature1306. The right side occlusion score feature 1306 indicates thepatient's right side occlusion score. In the example of FIG. 14, theright side occlusion score feature 1306 indicates that the patient'sright side occlusion score is four.

The user interface 500 also includes a left side occlusion score feature1308 and a total occlusion score feature 1310. The left side occlusionscore feature 1308 indicates the patient's left side occlusion score.The final occlusion score feature 1310 indicates the patient's finalocclusion score. In example of FIG. 14, an occlusion analysis has notyet been performed on the patient's left side. Consequently, the leftside occlusion score feature 1308 indicates no applicable left sideocclusion score and the final occlusion score feature 1310 indicates noapplicable total occlusion score.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of acomputing device 1400. In some embodiments, the computing system 4 isimplemented using physical components of the computing device 1400. Itshould be appreciated that in other embodiments, the computing system 4is implemented using physical components other than those illustrated inthe example of FIG. 15.

In the example of FIG. 15, the computing device 1400 comprises a memory1402, a processing unit 1404, a secondary storage device 1406, a networkinterface card 1408, a video interface 1410, a display device 1412, anexternal component interface 1414, an external storage device 1416, aninput device 1418, and a communication medium 1422. In otherembodiments, computing devices are implemented using more or fewerhardware components. For instance, in another example embodiment, acomputing device does not include a video interface, a display device,an external storage device, or an input device.

The memory 1402 includes one or more computer-readable data storagemedia capable of storing data and/or instructions. In differentembodiments, the memory 1402 is implemented in different ways. Forinstance, in various embodiments, the memory 1402 is implemented usingvarious types of computer-readable data storage media. Example types ofcomputer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to,dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data rate synchronousdynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), reduced latency DRAM, DDR2SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, Rambus RAM, solid state memory, flash memory,read-only memory (ROM), electrically-erasable programmable ROM, andother types of devices and/or articles of manufacture that store data.

The processing unit 1404 includes one or more physical integratedcircuits that selectively execute software instructions. In variousembodiments, the processing unit 1404 is implemented in various ways.For instance, in one example embodiment, the processing unit 1404 isimplemented as one or more processing cores. For instance, in thisexample embodiment, the processing unit 1404 may be implemented as oneor more Intel Core 2 microprocessors. In another example embodiment, theprocessing unit 1404 is implemented as one or more separatemicroprocessors. In yet another example embodiment, the processing unit1404 is implemented as an ASIC that provides specific functionality. Inyet another example embodiment, the processing unit 1404 providesspecific functionality by using an ASIC and by executing softwareinstructions.

In different embodiments, the processing unit 1404 executes softwareinstructions in different instruction sets. For instance, in variousembodiments, the processing unit 1404 executes software instructions ininstruction sets such as the x86 instruction set, the POWER instructionset, a RISC instruction set, the SPARC instruction set, the IA-64instruction set, the MIPS instruction set, and/or other instructionsets.

The secondary storage device 1406 includes one or more computer-readabledata storage media. The secondary storage device 1406 stores data andsoftware instructions not directly accessible by the processing unit1404. In other words, the processing unit 1404 performs an I/O operationto retrieve data and/or software instructions from the secondary storagedevice 1406. In various embodiments, the secondary storage device 1406is implemented by various types of computer-readable data storage media.For instance, the secondary storage device 1406 may be implemented byone or more magnetic disks, magnetic tape drives, CD-ROM discs, DVD-ROMdiscs, Blu-Ray discs, solid state memory devices, Bernoulli cartridges,and/or other types of computer-readable data storage media.

The network interface card 1408 enables the computing device 1400 tosend data to and receive data from a computer communication network. Indifferent embodiments, the network interface card 1408 is implemented indifferent ways. For example, in various embodiments, the networkinterface card 1408 is implemented as an Ethernet interface, atoken-ring network interface, a fiber optic network interface, awireless network interface (e.g., WiFi, WiMax, etc.), or another type ofnetwork interface.

The video interface 1410 enables the computing device 1400 to outputvideo information to the display device 1412. In different embodiments,the video interface 1410 is implemented in different ways. For instance,in one example embodiment, the video interface 1410 is integrated into amotherboard of the computing device 1400. In another example embodiment,the video interface 1410 is a video expansion card. Example types ofvideo expansion cards include Radeon graphics cards manufactured by ATITechnologies, Inc. of Markham, Ontario, Geforce graphics cardsmanufactured by Nvidia Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., and othertypes of graphics cards.

In various embodiments, the display device 1412 is implemented asvarious types of display devices. Example types of display devicesinclude, but are not limited to, cathode-ray tube displays, LCD displaypanels, plasma screen display panels, touch-sensitive display panels,LED screens, projectors, and other types of display devices. In variousembodiments, the video interface 1410 communicates with the displaydevice 1412 in various ways. For instance, in various embodiments, thevideo interface 1410 communicates with the display device 1412 via aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connector, a VGA connector, a digital visualinterface (DVI) connector, an S-Video connector, a High-DefinitionMultimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, a DisplayPort connector, or othertypes of connectors.

The external component interface 1414 enables the computing device 1400to communicate with external devices. In various embodiments, theexternal component interface 1414 is implemented in different ways. Forinstance, in one example embodiment, the external component interface1414 is a USB interface. In other example embodiments, the computingdevice 1400 is a FireWire interface, a serial port interface, a parallelport interface, a PS/2 interface, and/or another type of interface thatenables the computing device 1400 to communicate with externalcomponents.

In different embodiments, the external component interface 1414 enablesthe computing device 1400 to communicate with different externalcomponents. For instance, in the example of FIG. 15, the externalcomponent interface 1414 enables the computing device 1400 tocommunicate with the external storage device 1416, and the input device1418. In other embodiments, the external component interface 1414enables the computing device 1400 to communicate with more or fewerexternal components. Other example types of external components include,but are not limited to, speakers, phone charging jacks, modems, mediaplayer docks, other computing devices, scanners, digital cameras, afingerprint reader, and other devices that can be connected to thecomputing device 1400.

The external storage device 1416 is an external component comprising oneor more computer readable data storage media. Different implementationsof the computing device 1400 interface with different types of externalstorage devices. Example types of external storage devices include, butare not limited to, magnetic tape drives, flash memory modules, magneticdisk drives, optical disc drives, flash memory units, zip disk drives,optical jukeboxes, and other types of devices comprising one or morecomputer-readable data storage media. The input device 1418 is anexternal component that provides user input to the computing device1400. Different implementations of the computing device 1400 interfacewith different types of input devices. Example types of input devicesinclude, but are not limited to, keyboards, mice, trackballs, stylusinput devices, key pads, microphones, joysticks, touch-sensitive displayscreens, and other types of devices that provide user input to thecomputing device 1400.

The communications medium 1422 facilitates communication among thehardware components of the computing device 1400. In differentembodiments, the communications medium 1422 facilitates communicationamong different components of the computing device 1400. For instance,in the example of FIG. 15, the communications medium 1422 facilitatescommunication among the memory 1402, the processing unit 1404, thesecondary storage device 1406, the network interface card 1408, thevideo interface 1410, and the external component interface 1414. Indifferent implementations of the computing device 1400, thecommunications medium 1422 is implemented in different ways. Forinstance, in different implementations of the computing device 1400, thecommunications medium 1422 may be implemented as a PCI bus, a PCIExpress bus, an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus, an Infinibandinterconnect, a serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)interconnect, a parallel ATA interconnect, a Fiber Channel interconnect,a USB bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface, oranother type of communications medium.

The memory 1402 stores various types of data and/or softwareinstructions. For instance, in the example of FIG. 15, the memory 1402stores a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) 1424, an operating system1426, application software 1428, and program data 1430. The BIOS 1424includes a set of software instructions that, when executed by theprocessing unit 1404, cause the computing device 1400 to boot up. Theoperating system 1426 includes a set of software instructions that, whenexecuted by the processing unit 1404, cause the computing device 1400 toprovide an operating system that coordinates the activities and sharingof resources of the computing device 1400. Example types of operatingsystems include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix,Apple OS X, Apple OS X iPhone, Palm webOS, Palm OS, Google Chrome OS,Google Android OS, and so on. The application software 1428 includes aset of software instructions that, when executed by the processing unit1404, cause the computing device 1400 to provide applications to a userof the computing device 1400. The program data 1430 is data generatedand/or used by the application software 1428.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

We claim:
 1. A computing device comprising: a processing unit; and a set of computer-readable data storage media comprising at least one computer-readable data storage medium, the set of computer-readable data storage media storing software instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the computing device to: identify a first point on an electronic three-dimensional (3D) model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient, the first point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular first molar; identify a second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the second point corresponding to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; identify a third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the third point corresponding to a first contact point on the mandibular first molar; identify a fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the fourth point corresponding to a second contact on the mandibular first molar; identify a fifth point on an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient, the fifth point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a first maxillary molar; automatically generate a central axis by calculating a linear regression of points projected onto a plane by the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point, the central axis being a line on the plane, the plane being parallel to an occlusal plane of the patient; automatically identify a location of a scoring intersection, the scoring intersection being a point where the central axis and a scoring line intersect, the scoring line being a line on the plane, the scoring line being perpendicular to the central axis and passing through a point projected onto the plane by the fifth point; automatically identify locations of at least one measurement intersection, the at least one measurement intersection being a point where the central axis intersects a measurement line, the measurement line being a line on the plane that is perpendicular to the central axis and passes through a point projected onto the plane by one of the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point; automatically generate a score based on the location of the scoring intersection relative to the at least one measurement intersection; and display an evaluation of the electronic 3D model based on the score.
 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: identify the first point by attempting to identify a true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; and identify the second point by attempting to identify a true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar.
 3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: identify the true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar using a hill climbing algorithm; and identify the true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar using a hill climbing algorithm.
 4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: display the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identify the first point by receiving an input indicating the first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identify the second point by receiving an input indicating the second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identify the third point by receiving an input indicating the third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; and identify the fourth point by receiving an input indicating the fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.
 5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: in response to receiving the input indicating the first point: attempt to identify a true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; and adjust a position of the first point to correspond to the true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; and in response to receiving the input indicating the second point: attempt to identify a true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular second molar; and adjust a position of the second point to correspond to the true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular second molar.
 6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: display, after identifying the first point, the first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; display, after identifying the second point, the second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; display, after identifying the third point, the third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; and display, after identifying the fourth point, the fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.
 7. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, further cause the computing device to: display, on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the central axis, the measurement lines, the point projected onto the plane by the first point, the point projected onto the plane by the second point, the point projected onto the plane by the third point, and the point projected onto the plane by the fourth point.
 8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the measurement lines further include: lines perpendicular to the central axis and representing distances beyond the measurement line passing through the point projected onto the plane by the third point; and lines perpendicular to the central axis and representing distances beyond the measurement line passing through the point projected onto the plane by the fourth point.
 9. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the processing unit, cause the computing device to: calculate a score for the right side and a score for the left side; and calculate a final occlusion score by adding the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side; wherein the displayed evaluation is based on the final occlusion score.
 10. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the first contact point corresponds to a contact point between the mandibular first molar and a mandibular second molar, and the second contact point corresponds to a contact point between the mandibular first molar and a mandibular second molar.
 11. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the electronic three-dimensional (3D) model is a dental model of a treatment plan.
 12. A method of analyzing an electronic three-dimensional (3D) dental model of a treatment plan, wherein the electronic 3D model comprises an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient and an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient, comprising: identifying a first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the first point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular first molar; identifying a second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the second point corresponding to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; identifying a third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the third point corresponding to a first contact point on the mandibular first molar; identifying a fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the fourth point corresponding to a second contact on the mandibular first molar; identifying a fifth point on an electronic 3D model of the portion of the maxillary arch, the fifth point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a first maxillary molar; generating, by a computing device, a central axis by calculating a linear regression of points projected onto a plane by the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point, the central axis being a line on the plane, the plane being parallel to an occlusal plane of the patient; and identifying a location of a scoring intersection, the scoring intersection being a point where the central axis and a scoring line intersect, the scoring line being a line on the plane, the scoring line being perpendicular to the central axis and passing through a point projected onto the plane by the fifth point; identifying locations of measurement intersections, the measurement intersections being points where the central axis and measurement lines intersect, the measurement lines being lines on the plane, the measurement lines including lines perpendicular to the central axis and passing through the points projected onto the plane by the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point; displaying an evaluation of the electronic 3D model based on the location of the scoring intersection relative to the at least one measurement intersection.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: displaying the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identifying the first point by receiving an input indicating the first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identifying the second point by receiving an input indicating the second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; identifying the third point by receiving an input indicating the third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; and identifying the fourth point by receiving an input indicating the fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: in response to receiving the input indicating the first point: attempting to identify a true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; and adjusting a position of the first point to correspond to the true tip of the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; and in response to receiving the input indicating the second point: attempting to identify a true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular second molar; and adjusting a position of the second point to correspond to the true tip of the distobuccal cusp of the mandibular second molar.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: displaying, after identifying the first point, the first point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; displaying, after identifying the second point, the second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; displaying, after identifying the third point, the third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch; and displaying, after identifying the fourth point, the fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: displaying, on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the central axis, the measurement lines, the point projected onto the plane by the first point, the point projected onto the plane by the second point, the point projected onto the plane by the third point, and the point projected onto the plane by the fourth point.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the measurement lines further include: lines perpendicular to the central axis and representing distances beyond the measurement line passing through the point projected onto the plane by the third point; and lines perpendicular to the central axis and representing distances beyond the measurement line passing through the point projected onto the plane by the fourth point.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: calculating a side score based on the location of the scoring intersection relative to the measurement intersections.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: calculating a side score for a right side of the electronic 3D model and a side score for a left side of the electronic 3D model; calculating a final occlusion score by adding the side score for the right side and the side score for the left side; and wherein the displayed evaluation is based on the final occlusion score.
 20. A computing device for evaluating a treatment plan based on an electronic three-dimensional (3D) dental model, wherein the electronic 3D model comprises an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient and an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient, comprising: a processing unit; and a set of computer-readable data storage media comprising at least one computer-readable data storage medium, the set of computer-readable data storage media storing software instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the computing device to: for both a right side of a patient and a left side of the patient: identify a first point on the electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a mandibular arch of a patient, the first point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a mandibular first molar; identify a second point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the second point corresponding to a tip of a distobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar; identify a third point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the third point corresponding to a first contact point on the mandibular first molar; identify a fourth point on the electronic 3D model of the portion of the mandibular arch, the fourth point corresponding to a second contact on the mandibular first molar; identify a fifth point on an electronic 3D model of at least a portion of a maxillary arch of the patient, the fifth point corresponding to a tip of a mesiobuccal cusp of a first maxillary molar; automatically generate a central axis by calculating a linear regression of points projected onto a plane by the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point, the central axis being a line on the plane, the plane being parallel to an occlusal plane of the patient; automatically identify a location of a scoring intersection, the scoring intersection being a point where the central axis and a scoring line intersect, the scoring line being a line on the plane, the scoring line being perpendicular to the central axis and passing through a point projected onto the plane by the fifth point; automatically identify locations of at least one measurement intersection, the at least one measurement intersection being a point where the central axis intersects a measurement line, the measurement line being a line on the plane that is perpendicular to the central axis and passes through a point projected onto the plane by one of the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point; automatically generate a side score based on the location of the scoring intersection relative to the at least one measurement intersection; calculate a final occlusion score for the patient, the final occlusion score based on a side score for the right side and a side score for the left side; and display an evaluation of the electronic 3D model based on the score. 